Thread: recommendation to get started

Hi All:

I want to start shaving with a straight razor and am wondering what I should get for a razor (brand, size, type, etc), strop and honing stone. There is so much out there that I want to be sure I get a decent beginners package put together. Also, any recommendations on where to purchase this stuff?

Steve

Hi Steve,

Welcome to the forum and the crazy world
of straight razors.

If you want a beginners kit which check out this link.
www.thewellshavedgentleman.com
This is the site of forum member Tony Miller

Or if you prefer a vintage straight razor checkout
http://shop.writerferret.com/
This is the site of forum member Joe Chandler.

As far as brand, Tony sells new Dovo's and Joe sells
various brands of vintage razors. You won't go wrong with
The products these guys sell. All their razors come
shave ready so you really won't need to hone it for
some time. I'll let the guys who can actually hine
recommend a hone for when you need one.

As far as size? I would go with either a 5/8 or 6/8
and probably a round point for a first razor, though
lots of guys including myself have started with a spike
point. Either way though should work out fine.

You can also email [email protected]
This is Mr. Lynn Abrams the founder of the forum.
He sells shave ready razors as well.

Or www.billysblades.com This is Bill Ellis another
forum member - he should be adding more vintage
razors in the very near future.

Hope this helps a little....



Terry

Originally Posted by steve

Hi All:

I want to start shaving with a straight razor and am wondering what I should get for a razor (brand, size, type, etc), strop and honing stone. There is so much out there that I want to be sure I get a decent beginners package put together. Also, any recommendations on where to purchase this stuff?

Steve

Steve,

Terry is right www.thewellshavedgentlemen.com would be the place to start.

And www.shavingshop.com for a large selection of new old stock blades, as well as shaving creams, soaps, and strops.

Steve,

I want to warn ya.... This is a highly addictive
hobby. Within a month you will have 2,3 or 4
straights and will be looking for more.

If you wonder how a 5/8's differs from a 6/8's
etc etc. The only way to find out is to buy one
and try for yourself...

I started out back in January and I have 8 razors
and one more headed my way from Joe Chandler.

Oh, I would start out with one of Tony's hanging strops.
Rather then a paddle strop.



Terry

Thanks everyone. I looked at a set from Tony Miller's site that I really like. I think I'll go with that one. The only thing left is a honing stone. I'm understanding that Tony's razors shouldn't need honing for a month or so of averaging shaving. I guess that'll buy me some time to figure out what would be a good one to use.

I'll look forward to starting my new addiction soon!

That's the spirit, Steve. Give in willingly.

For stones, most of us here use the Norton combination 4k/8k.
Some have had success with NOS barber hones.
Others say you can go a long way with a 4 sided pasted paddle before having to hit a stone.

Keep us posted.

X

The addiction will come very fast, even while you wait for your items to be shipped. Each time you order something it is like christmas when you wait for the mail(person) to bring along your new present!

With me it's always about the budget. I like to get the most bang for the buck. It is however very important that your first razor is really "shave ready". I just looked at Joe's site and see some very nice razors in the $35- $40 range. Next you need an everyday strop. This is an easy one, just look at Tony's stuff at the Well Shaved Gentleman website. You will want a hanging strop. Even the least expensive strop here is better than most out there. As far as a hone is concerned, you might want to wait on that until you pick up a bit more information around here and decide for yourself. A great alternative is a pasted paddle strop.

Glen

Just wanted to say thanks for all the mentions. Here pretty quick, I'm going to put up a couple beginner packages. I managed to lay hands on a couple almost new strops (Dovo with linen, and a 2-leather Illinois strop) and will pair them with some nice shave ready razors, if anyone's interested. Neither of the strops will compete with Tony's, or Keith's (Handamerican...awesome strops) but will get the job done for less. You can always invest in Keith's or Tony's later if you decide you like it.